Soccer security beefed up

DAVID HALL20 Jan 2014, 5:48 p.m.

SECURITY at Albion Park White Eagles' home ground, Terry Reserve, has received a substantial boost following the presentation of almost $35,000 from the state government through the Community Partnerships Program.

SECURITY at Albion Park White Eagles' home ground, Terry Reserve, has received a substantial boost following the presentation of almost $35,000 from the state government through the Community Partnerships Program.

The ground, which has been heavily vandalised, will now have a secure chain-wire fence around it.

President Goran Nikolic praised Kiama MP Gareth Ward and Shellharbour City Council for their assistance.

"We have been frustrated time and again by vandals at our ground, with our dressing rooms covered in graffiti, while our barbecue area has been burned down twice in recent times," Nikolic said.

"So any help we can get in securing the area is most welcome. We are also going to install video cameras, which will hopefully catch the culprits in the act."

Mr Ward said he was delighted to be able to help the White Eagles and also praised the council for helping fund the project.

"One of the parts of my job I enjoy most is fighting for funds for local sporting clubs to make important improvements," he said.

"This money will go towards providing security fencing for the White Eagles' main ground, which will provide the additional protection the club and its assets require.

"Tragically, the White Eagles have fallen victim to ratbag vandals who have no regard for the damage they do or the cost.

"I think it is fundamentally important to invest in sport, particularly junior sport, to encourage young people to get out from behind the computer and participate in team sports and other physical activity.

"I look forward to continuing to do my very best for clubs like the White Eagles, who tell me that this is the first grant they have received in the 30-year history of their club."